Recently, Russia said that Ukraine had repeatedly dropped white phosphorus munitions from drones in September 2024, but Kyiv (Ukraine) denied it had used such weapons and said it was Moscow (Russia) which had used prohibited chemical substances on the battlefield.
Key Points:
- White Phosphorus Characteristics:
- A waxy solid with a garlic-like odor, white phosphorus ignites spontaneously at temperatures above 30°C.
- It burns until fully oxidized or deprived of oxygen, producing dense, irritating smoke.
- Common uses include military applications (illumination, smoke screens, incendiary purposes), industrial production (phosphoric acid, fertilizers, detergents), and historically as a rodenticide or in fireworks.
- Health and Environmental Risks:
- Exposure causes severe burns and long-lasting injuries.
- Its use in civilian areas raises concerns about human suffering and environmental harm.
- Legal Context of White Phosphorus Use:
- Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC): White phosphorus is not classified as a chemical weapon since its effects result from incendiary action, not chemical toxicity.
- Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCCW): Protocol III prohibits the intentional use of incendiary weapons against civilians or civilian areas.
- Permissible Uses: Military purposes such as battlefield illumination or smoke screens.
- Prohibited Uses: Direct incendiary attacks on civilians, which require intent to be established for a violation under the CCCW.
- Conflict-Related Accusations:
- Russia’s Claim: Accuses Ukraine of deploying white phosphorus via drones in September 2024.
- Ukraine’s Response: Denies the claim and counters that Russia has used prohibited chemical substances.
- Both sides have accused each other of violating international norms.
- Challenges in Verification:
- Establishing intent is critical for determining violations of Protocol III of the CCCW.
- Investigations would need robust evidence, including documentation of intent, context, and impact on civilians.